that's the word he used. i don't know if he would get that because the administration says there's nothing to apologize for when it comes to ambassador rice. but, yes, change of tone, maybe a change of what his position will be when and if she's nominated. >> john, if i can finish with you, john, do you think that in light of what happened, the attacks on susan rice and now this apparent retreat, do you think that strengthened the president's desire, if it is there, for her to become secretary of state? >> look, i think the president's desire to nominate susan rice was made very clear, if, indeed, thaes what he wants to do, was made very clear at the press conference he had last week or so where he gave a full-throated defense of her and said to both senators john mccain and lindsey graham, don't go after her. if you have an issue with someone, come after me. and so that's the clearest indication yet that susan rice is probably at the top of the nomination heap. >> indeed. jonathan capehart, lynn sweet, thank